If the Palisades Pumas were feeling good off their 68-43 takedown of the Marvin Ridge Mavericks last Tuesday, their most recent game may have dampened their spirits a bit. The matchup between Palisades and Ardrey Kell wasn't particularly close, with Palisades falling 77-63. Palisades has not had much luck with Ardrey Kell recently, as the team's come up short the last two times they've met.
Palisades' loss came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Jyler Standifer, who scored 18 points along with seven rebounds. As a matter of fact, that's the most points Standifer has scored all season. Matthew Dillard was another key contributor, scoring 16 points along with two blocks.
Ardrey Kell got their victory on the backs of several key players, but it was Brett Freeman out in front who scored 26 points along with five rebounds and two steals. That's the first time this season that Freeman grabbed two or more steals. The team also got some help courtesy of Delani Hammonds, who scored 12 points along with eight assists and six rebounds.
Palisades' loss ended a five-game streak of wins at home and dropped them to 10-7. As for Ardrey Kell, they are on a roll lately: they've won 11 of their last 12 matches, which provided a nice bump to their 12-4 record this season.
Palisades will head out on the road to square off against West Mecklenburg at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Hopefully West Mecklenburg focused on turnovers this week since the team gave up 17 last Tuesday. As for Ardrey Kell, they will look to defend their home court on Wednesday against South Mecklenburg at 7:30 p.m. Hopefully South Mecklenburg focused on turnovers this week since the team gave up 17 on Friday.
